Whole Notes

A conversation with Shane Barnard of Shane & Shane

For the past 10 years, Shane Barnard and Shane Everett (better known as Shane & Shane) have been writing catchy pop songs that have a tendency to get stuck on the brain. While in there, inspirational and often challenging lyrics take root and bear out the fact that these guys are serious artists. Such is the case with the band’s latest album The One You Need.

These days, Shane & Shane are spending more time working at their home church of the Oaks Fellowship in Red Oak, Texas where the pair teaches music classes within a larger leadership school. But that doesn’t mean they still aren’t having a significant impact through national recording projects and a busy touring schedule.

Whole Notes recently caught up with Shane Barnard to talk about the new album, how the duo is settling down and finding purpose in its local church community:

Chad Bonham: What are some of the changes within the music industry that have impacted the progress of the band since you guys hit the scene 10 years ago?

Shane Everett (left) and Shane Barnard (right)

Shane Barnard: For us in particular—good or bad, I don’t know—we’ve been in our own little world in Texas. We’ve toured a lot over the past decade. For almost 10 years, we did close to 300 concerts a year. We had our noses to the grind and a lot of worship culture just flew over and we didn’t know what it was. Sadly, we didn’t go to church. We just loved the Lord and were going after Him and we were doing our best to share the Gospel wherever we were at. Almost a decade of worship culture happened and we missed it. One of the things that might be happening in our worship culture that’s a good thing and has been happening in general is that it’s becoming okay to be authentic lyrically. It’s becoming okay to be vulnerable in worship. Maybe 15 or 20 years ago is wasn’t as okay to say, “I’m desperate for You,” in a worship song. That’s a cool thing and a normal thing now.

Bonham: It seems like you guys have evolved into more of a storytelling band as opposed to a traditional worship artist whose songs are exclusively meant for corporate settings.

Barnard. No doubt. The last record we did was more of a worship record. We were at our church and we purposely wrote some songs for our church. It was awesome. But this one is a little bit more of a Gospel narrative—songs about Jesus that are for the churched and the unchurched.

Bonham: After all those years of heavy travel, it looks like you’ve settled into a normal routine that includes more time spent at home. What led to this new way of doing things?

Barnard: We are settling in to whole new worlds. We’ve been involved with a church and it’s been amazing to be there and have a small group and serve there. We lead worship once a month and work with college students. We have a leadership school there so we help with the music program and do songwriting classes and studio classes. Our families are growing so we have a pretty good amount of home time. We still travel quite a bit. We’re trying to travel less. But this year we’ll probably do 150 concerts, which is still too many but it’s a lot less than it used to be. It’s been a good season.

Bonham: Being married to Bethany Dillon (also a recording artist) must provide some fun moments—especially when you’re in the creative process of writing and recording. Is she a sounding board for you?

Barnhard: I use her as a sounding board constantly. It’s been awesome. We get to lead worship at church together. We do a lot of things. She’s touring with us now and singing. She hasn’t done a concert in two years. She’s been in mommy land and loving it. So she’s kind of been out of the circuit a little bit, but she’s still such a prolific writer.

Bonham: The opening track on your new album, “Liberty,” seems appropriately titled in light of some of the creative liberties you guys took. Were you intentionally looking for ways to stretch yourself during the writing and recording process?

Barnard: I don’t know if we stretched ourselves on purpose. At the end of the day, we end up with the songs that the Lord gives us. But musically, we did want to take our time. Before we even went in to (produce) the record, we just wanted to have fun. We’ve done a lot of projects that turned out okay, but it wasn’t necessarily fun. It was like, “We’ve got to get this done in two weeks.” We were trying to sing at 3 a.m., in the morning. Everybody was at their wit’s end. But on this CD, we just wanted to sprawl out, have our friends come and have fun. I feel like we really did that. We kept throwing out ideas. Sometimes we have a co-producer or an engineer but we didn’t have that person this time. It was kind of a good thing for us. No idea was a bad idea. We just wanted to do whatever came to our heads and try it. We had an absolute blast. It was so fun.

Bonham: A lot of the songs seemed to deal with the relational nature of our faith walk with God. Was that a running theme for the project?

Barnard: I didn’t write the record with a theme in mind. I’ve written a lot of songs on a scripture or a passage that’s really ministered to me. But the hinge of every song needs to be Christ. We’ve been doing these songs live and it’s been awesome to just be able to talk about Jesus. That’s what we want to do. So that ended up being the theme, as Sunday School as that sounds. But that’s the running theme I think.

Bonham: “Future Version” was one of the songs that really jumped out at me when I first listened to the album. What has been the reaction to that song so far?

Shane Everett (left) and Shane Barnard (right)

Barnard: We have been playing it live and we’re seeing it impact our audiences. The reality is that God loves us just as much now as He’ll ever love us. There’s no future version that He’s going to love more than He does now, or from the first moment He saved us, and the first moment He loved us. It’s been an awesome thing to talk about and sing about. People are reacting to it in a good way. It’s an elementary Gospel truth that the church forgets.

Bonham: Why was it important for you write a song like “Because You’re God,” especially in a time when the Gospel message and the belief that Jesus is the only way to God is being daily challenged in our society and across the globe?

Barnard: It’s huge. There’s a rise of universalism inside the Christian culture and outside the Christian culture. We’ve got these communicators out there like Oprah who say that Jesus is a great way to get to Heaven but there are so many other good avenues to get to Heaven. That’s not true and it’s such a scary thing to sink into and buy into. It’s crucial to proclaim the truth of the narrow gate, if you will. It’s crucial. I don’t know if was just having a moment with the Lord (when I wrote the song). But I come from a lost family and I’ve had many conversations over the years and I’ve seen forms of godliness and forms of religion. I know the issues that the world has with the exclusivity of Christ. It’s hard to be exclusive, but it’s the foundational truth of what we believe. And if we believe that Jesus is God then that requires us to believe what He said. Our faith hinges upon Him being the way and that’s such great news. I hate for it to be an entrenching issue because that is such great news. Jesus is exclusive but he’s also inclusive because He said, “Anyone who will call on my name”—anyone from any race, from any background, from any kind of intellect—“Anyone who calls on my name, the narrow gate is open and I’m willing to save.” It’s a very important message and we enjoy sharing it.

To stay up on the latest news from Shane & Shane, visit their official website by clicking HERE.

And for a chance at one of five autographed copies of the band’s latest CDs, The One You Need, leave a comment about Shane & Shane at the end of this post. You can also click HERE for more details.

No wonder I love your music so much. Your have such a Godly heart that it just pours out through your music. Keep following Him and sharing His music with us..

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Margaret Schwerer

Although we are “new” fans of Shane & Shane, we are “huge” fans to say the least. The One You Need is our favorite song on your new CD. My daughter is a freshman at college and her Dad (and I) are having a difficult time as we adjust to this change in our lives, and some of the “worldly” struggles she is facing while away. The first time we listened to this song, we all cried. And I will admit that we continually have tears in our eyes each time we listen to it. For my husband and daughter, it has become “their song” and the words could not be more perfect. THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing your talents with All of us. You are truly a Blessing. God be with you and your families as you continue to do His work. Thank you

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Jennifer

I would love to add the Shanes CD to my collection. I currently don’t own any of their music. Love their songs I have heard on YouTube.

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Zack sakach

I love your guys’ new song without you! Its one of my new favorites by you guys. I also love the songs “I miss you” and “yearn”. You guys are my favorite artists!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Lisa McD

U guys r amazing!!
Ur music is so anointed & blesses my life like u will never know!
So excited about the new project!
I have all ur other CD’s & looking 4wrd 2 this 1.

Powerful interview! Words of truth in this confused age ur light & music shine through!
Blessings!!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Ryan S

Was at the Denton show last week. Was an incredible time of worship. You guys rock! Thanks for pointing us to Christ!!!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Jim J

Big fan of Shane & Shane. Have been since the early days of TSF and Daybreak Coffee back in Lubbock, TX! The most earnest and genuine musical pursuit of praise to our King that exists. The Psalms resound in my head because of their music. Thanks men!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Mallory

I love shane and shane. Can’t wait to listen to their new album

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Amy Boyd

I’ve loved this group for all of 10+ years and I’ve never felt that they wrote catchy “pop” tunes that stay in your brain! Their music has always been deeply worshipful and ministers to my spirit. Their songs which are scriptural truths combined with their music and voices, are truly a Gift from God. I love Shane and Shane!! I listen to them at home all the time, but to see them live is amazing too. They pour their hearts out in song.

Amazing song-writers and vocalists! I love their music…or should I say God’s music, bestowed to Shane & Shane! I’ve been so excited about this album release and love The One You Need! Keep serving Him well guys!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Nicole

Love Shane & Shane! Their lyrics remind us of the very important truths that God gave us in His word. I love that they share the stories behind their songs on stage. It really drives home the message to our hearts. Thank you Shane & Shane for allowing God to use you as a messanger for His word! These guys are super talented. What a blessing your church has to have you lead worship every week!!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Michaela

Love me some Shane and Shane!!!!!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Cathryn B.

Y’all are fantastic!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Conciana Ervil

I have recently been introduced to Shane and Shane music. One of my favorite song is Yearn. “By their fruits you will know them” true men of God! May God continue to bless them, their and everyone on this page! (^_^)

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Michelle

I love Shane and Shane! I have been listening to their music for a few years now and it is such a blessing. I can’t believe they are now leading worship in my hometown of Red Oak…now I wish I wasn’t living so far away in Houston!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Taylor Elze

Ever since ‘Carry Away’ I have loved listening to your harmonies, especially. You have great music that speaks from your hearts and teaches us of the Lord for any circumstance in life.

http://AddaURLtothiscomment David

Shane & Shane are the most unique Christian artists out there. They really pure their hearts and souls into knowing the scripture and knowing God. That’s why all their songs are just filled with biblical truth. It’s not them trying to come up with a song, but God inspiring the song. So encouraging to listen to them everyday! I love the song Without You!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Brock McDonald

This looks like a sweet album great songs with a great band

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Heidi

The newest Shane & Shane record has been on repeat in my home over the last few weeks!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Lyndon

WOW! So pleased to post a comment! These guys are awesome! New to their music, I can’t seem to get enough! BIG fans in Canada…hoping they visit soon!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Linny

Just wanted to say how encouraged I am when I listen to the Shane and Shane music. What I appreciate about your music is that it is so heartfelt inspired by your walk with God. Nothing gets more real than that. I appreciate your not succumbing to the “pop” music of today. Your music is true and real with God at the center. Thank you for being different and making a difference with your music.

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Brittany

I’ve been a fan for about 8 years now. Not just because these two men are incredibly talented musicians, but because every song is genuinely Christ-centered. Singing verses of the Bible is powerful, bold, and speaks life over those that are listening. Shane(s), thank you so much for being light in a darkened world.

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Dianna Martinez

You Shanes make me love Jesus more! <3

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Jillian

Shane and Shane stay true to what they do! Their interview was honest and honesty is all that needs to be said. This new CD rocks and everyone needs to buy it!!!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Dean Chang

I’ve only really started listening to Shane & Shane for a while now but I’m definitely liking them. I found their song “Embracing Accusation” on Youtube and man, that song is powerful. Their vocals together and their songwriting on their songs blows me away. The interview was inspiring and i liked what they talked about with the album and their ministry.

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Paul

Great album! The whole album has been on repeat for the past few weeks!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Robbie Faulk

Me and my friend had the opportunity to open for Shane and Shane in Meridian, MS a few months ago. Prior to the concert, we were able to hang out with the guys and see just how down to earth they were. We went and hung out on and old train next to where we were playing took pictures and just searched through the old train. The guys offered us encouraging advice before going on and as we came off told us how blessed they were to hear us. It was an even bigger blessing to go out in the crowd and immediately feel God’s presence coming out through their music. Two great guys, very humble, and sacrificing to their Lord and Savior. I love their music and i love their message.

http://graceletsmesing.blogspot.com Kimberly

I have been listening to this CD over and over and over…such wonderful musicality, not to mention the profound truth in the lyrics. I am thankful for Shane & Shane!

http://www.twitter.com/lightenupgear Erik Carlson

I love Shane and Shane’s hearts for worship and am impressed they are working with their church to help equip their worship leaders and foster a culture of creativity through Christ. While everyone should definitely rush out and get their new album, they should also grab the Oaks Worship albums including their latest, “Lift Up the Light”.

Grace and peace,
Erik

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Joe Kranz

Shane and Shane are about the best it gets! Keep rockin for Christ Brothers!

http://www.bargainshopperlady.com Lori

I love Shane and Shane! Ironically I moved across the country a week after I discovered they had a secret recording studio near my old home. That might have been a good thing though. I probably would have gone overboard baking for them!
Blessings,
Lori G.

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Jamie

You guys are amazing. I’ve loved your music ever since I was 10. Both of you have been such a huge inspiration in my life. You guys helped me to understand God and his love for us and your the reason i picked up guitar haha. This album blew me away. My favorite song is “Your Love”. Crazy vocals.. Did not know Everett could go that high lol hopefully I’ll be able to play guitar like Barnard one day haha

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Todd Pollock

Heard “I Beg” at Church of the Apostles four years ago. That’s all it took.

Thanks for the excellent interview. Good questions. Some tough ones. And no one backed down or watered down anything. Praise God.

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Daniel Young Kim

I’ve been a huge fan of Shane & Shane’s music for a while now! I LOVE ‘YEARN’! It’s a very powerful song. Thank you, guys for writing it and praise God!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment chad

The new album is awesome!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Doug

Excellent interview. These guys are great and I’ve enjoyed following there work over the years.

http://AddaURLtothiscomment John Wayne McMann

Shane and Shane you guys are amazing and truly inspiring. I am a youth director and I took some of my kids to see your show in College Station last year and now yall are a part of our road trips, bible studies, church services, and the list goes on. I introduced yall to my roommate and now he cant get enough. I know I am only one person but know that you guys are a blessing! Keep it up and God Bless!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment yikai

Man i was at their concert and they were a beast. I really want that CD

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Matt Richards

I have been listening to you guys since I lived in Abilene TX way back in 2000-2001 and went to Matt Chandler’s church. I love your acoustic sound and listen to you guys as I prepare to have my most intimate times with Christ!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Alex Plasket

These guys are great men of God
and I love everything that they’ve been doing and are doing now! Keep up the great work!